Exploring the Power of Connections for Leadership
Traditional leadership methods — built on authority, control, and top-down decision-making — are no longer enough to navigate uncertain and evolving times. Instead, leaders are finding new paths forward by encouraging connections that nurture curiosity and innovations.
In a recent KOAN Conversation on “The Power of We,” Integrated Work CEO Jennifer Lyn Simpson and Chantal Pierrat, founder of Emerging Women and Emerging Human, explored how relationships and connections can shape more inclusive and resilient organizations. Their discussion is part of a series of conversations exploring concepts in Jen’s book, the KOAN method: Breakthrough Leadership for a Divided World. Pulling from the Zen Buddhism concept of a koan — a riddle or paradox that encourages us to sit with questions that have no right answer — the KOAN method explores a new way of leading built around connection.
Through her work, Chantal helps leaders and organizations develop more inclusive, connective practices that encourage new and varied voices and different ways of thinking. “We can actually invite another way to come forward,” she said, “especially with regards to what kind of leadership we want for our world moving forward — not just for businesses and organizations, but for governments and communities. We’ve really been overindexing on the neck-up version of leadership which leaves out human connection.”
Chantal incorporates her previous experience in the tech and publishing industries in her current work. As she broadened her leadership skills and knowledge, she found inspiration to launch Emerging Women and bring often-overlooked voices to the fore. “We work to create a culture of inclusion, specifically for women and underrepresented leaders in organizations who want a larger self-expression as well as more influence, more impact,” she said.
Leading for a High-Tech and High-Touch Future
That means weaving a connection-based leadership model that is much more than networking, she said. “It’s this whole idea of the power of we — overlapping rings of connection. When we’re talking about our own personal growth as leaders, that’s not an isolated journey.”
As the business world grows more complex and information sharing accelerates, the value of team connection also grows. “A lot of people are capable of the subtle skills required for relationship and connection, but I do think women are poised to make use of some innate skills that could lead this revolution of a more connection-based leadership model,” Chantal said. “The future is high-tech but it’s also going to be high-touch.”
Having a network of collaborators and relationships and partnerships is the fourth component in the KOAN method. “When you’re trying to change systems, if you’re going into territory where there’s not a good map it’s really important to have fellow travelers,” Jen said.
And leaders who instill trust, stability, and hope among team members — their fellow travelers — also deepen engagement, encourage creativity, and build teams oriented toward solutions.
Finding the Power of We and Moving Forward Together
Chantal noted several qualities and skills that leaders can employ to nurture connections and make an impact. The first is to realize that people have lives beyond their organizational roles. “Do you care about the people you’re working with? Making room for humanity in the day-to-day is huge,” she said. “When you care about someone, you start getting curious.”
Making real connections involves asking questions, bringing curiosity, and showing vulnerability, Chantal said. “When people do that intentionally, they start to develop a stronger sense of strategy both for themselves and also for the teams they are on. Connection-based leadership is fast because you’re not in it by yourself.”
Encouraging connections between team members throughout larger organizations — from varied departments and hierarchical roles — can help broaden perspectives and enhance strategic skills. “When you’re growing with somebody or sharing your growth path with somebody, that creates loyalty unparalleled. Others around you are invested in your success,” Chantal said. Watch the full conversation to hear more from Jen and Chantal on the importance of connection and community for future-minded leaders and organizations:
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